Darlington Council has been accused of "cynical manipulation" of objectors to the proposed closure of the Crown Street Art Gallery.

On Wednesday, representatives of organisations which use the gallery were told that the now empty rates hall at the town hall was being offered as an alternative.

Ted Hill, vice-chairman of Darlington Society of Arts, went to the meeting with members of photographic, woodcarving and botanical art groups.

His society has mounted a campaign against the closure of the art gallery and collected thousands of signatures of support on the streets.

Yesterday, Mr Hill said he was appalled that the council announced a decision to make the rates hall the new venue, within hours of the apparently informal meeting.

"We haven't even had time to discuss this with our own members. This is not consultation, it is cynical manipulation.

"I asked why, considering the publicity this had been given in the Press, that the rates hall proposal had not been given a public airing. Coun Dot Long said they thought it would have been impolite to do so before they had a meeting with regular art gallery exhibitors.

"We were told that it was having great difficulty finding another venue, but the rates hall was not necessarily a permanent solution. That was how it was left."

Coun Long said she had acted as cabinet member for leisure services and cited the announcement as an example of how the new system of local government could work swiftly to tackle local problems.

"There was no need for it to be approved by anybody. Nobody objected yesterday morning and a lot of people were pleased.

"My argument is that although the buildings are very different - and people, including myself, feel very affectionate towards the present gallery - the rates hall could be an even better space."

She added: "The council has looked at every possible property within the ring road.

"We will continue to consult as we get it up and running and the consultation is not over until the autumn."